Bowdoin College vs. St Lawrence University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with St Lawrence University in Canton, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St Lawrence University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (1,991 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); St Lawrence University is in Canton, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; St Lawrence University 11:1.

Bowdoin College vs. St Lawrence University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or St Lawrence University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bowdoin College than St Lawrence University ($22,228 vs. $33,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St Lawrence University are 8% lower than at Bowdoin College ($17,000 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St Lawrence University (about $1,932 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Bowdoin College than at St Lawrence University (about $1,932 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Lawrence University than at Bowdoin College (99% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 28.9% larger than aid received by St Lawrence University students ($62,872 vs. $48,784).

Bowdoin College vs. St Lawrence University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or St Lawrence University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between St Lawrence University and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 170 points higher than at St Lawrence University (1340).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at St Lawrence University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; St Lawrence University 1255/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; St Lawrence University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; St Lawrence University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; St Lawrence University Feb 1, 2027.
• St Lawrence University has a higher acceptance rate (54.3%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 12.8% at St Lawrence University.

Bowdoin College vs. St Lawrence University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and St Lawrence University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than St Lawrence University's (80%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than St Lawrence University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $53,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $8,167 lower median loan debt than St Lawrence University graduates ($18,833 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Lawrence University graduates ($194 vs. $279).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St Lawrence University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 85%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.